Argonauts of the Western Pacific

Dutton, 1961

An account of native enterprise and adventure in the archipelagoes of Melanesian New Guinea, the Trobriands, the Kula, canoes and sailing. A milestone in anthropological research and interpretation and of particular interest to students of symbolism. The main concern of this classic text is an infinitely careful study of the Kula, the extensive and complex trading system maintained by natives of the Trobriand Islands off eastern New Guinea between themselves and the neighbouring islanders...